Acrostic Poem in Proverbs Thirty-One

A capable wife is far more precious than jewels.

Best wife she is and the husband will lack none.

Caring him, she does good, all the days of her life.

Diligently she seeks wool and flax, working with willing hands.

Eager she is like a ship of the merchant to bring food.

For she rises while it is still night to provide task for her household.

Goes to consider and buy a field with her money to plant.

Her mind she girds with strength and makes her arms strong.

I see her profitable produce and her lamp never goes out at night.

Joining those weaving clothes, she holds the spindle.

Keenly she opens her hand to the poor, reaching out to the needy.

Leaves out fear for her home when it snows.

Makes herself coverings and her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Never her husband is unknown in the city gates.

On account of her industriousness she makes garments to sell.
Power and pride are her clothing, and she laughs at all times.

Quenches she, the quest for wisdom, teaching kindness.
Reading well the ways of her family, she inspires hard work.
Sooner her children rise up, they call her happy.
Too many have done excellently, but a good wife surpasses them.

Unnecessary is charm, but a God fearing woman is to be praised.

Value her, giving the right share, and acknowledging her worth.
Worthy is a woman striving to be a good wife.

X-ray tube is as a good wife that generates healing and energy.

Yama, the god of the dead, too will bow down seeing a good wife.
Zillion praises are offered to a good wife, with the ultimate being.

Henry Victor 22.01.2003

Frost on frosty night

whose woods these are, i’m sure, i know not

my house is not in any one of these hamlets
that i drive through this snowy evening
and my wife will not want me to stop here
to enjoy the Westlock woods fill up with snow

my Ford Focus will think it stupid

to stop when there was no skidding
on this icy road near the Devil’s lake
with temperature below minus two zero
on the darkest evening of this year

the cd player sings it well

expressing a pleasant mood
the only other sound is the engine
that warms my leg space too well
to keep me from freezing this winter

roads are winding, slippery, and dark

fear of deer, moose and coyotes
keep me slow and hesitant though
but to my daughter i promised a hug
and kilometers to go before i sleep

henry victor     08.01.2003

Lord Is My Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd; my needs are numerous
He leads me in the dry desert land
When I am thirsty
He guides me to rivers that are deep and flooding

He expects me to be courageous
Among those who are callous and inhuman
He presumes that I walk in the paths of the just humans

When I walk through roads that are dangerous and dark
I am terrified of the evil humans and their structures
Because though He had promised to be with me, I never see his face

Lord, you have very often let me down in the presence of my enemies
And you have forgotten to anoint my head with oil

My cup is empty
Yet, I will follow you
And serve your people always

Henry Victor 18.01.1983